7 picturesque places to visit in Worcestershire

Nestled in the heart of England, the non-metropolitan county of Worcestershire is a scenic haven in the West Midlands. With Herefordshire to the west and Shropshire to the northwest, Worcestershire is perfectly placed on a green belt through the middle of the UK, away from the smog of Birmingham to the east. This largely rural county boasts stunning scenery and an abundance of natural beauty spots, with plenty of places to pitch a tent for a peaceful holiday. Here are just seven picturesque places to visit in Worcestershire during your trip.

1. Broadway Tower

This 1000-foot tower is a stunning sight in the green countryside. The Broadway Tower is the highest roof viewing platform in the Cotswolds with views that survey 16 counties. With walking and biking trails around the base of the tower, this landmark is the perfect spot to start a day of discovery. To learn more about the tower and its place in British history, visitors can explore its exhibitions and galleries across three floors. Travel to the dramatic tower throughout the year via the A44 Evesham/Moreton in Marsh or cycle from your tent in a nearby Broadway campsite.

2. Croome Court

Croome Court is a magnificent 18th century mansion with beautiful gardens. The visitor centre was once a secret wartime airbase that was inhabited by thousands during the 1940s. Over the past 17 years, the National Trust has lovingly restored the once overgrown parklands to its former glory. Although there is some repair work that still needs to be completed in the Croome Court mansion, visitors can still wander around its un-restored rooms. After looking around the unchanged mansion, visitors can then meander around its network of outdoor pathways and around its massive lake. After a few hours in the great outdoors, venture inside to learn more history in the visitor centre or enjoy some food in Croome’s 1940s-style canteen. Standard admission to the whole property is £7.20 for adults and £3.10 for children.

3. Eastnor Castle

Nestled into the rolling Malvern Hills is the beautiful Georgian castle. Set within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Eastnor Castle has a wonderful woodland and lakeside walk which runs through a deer park, arboretum and lake. There is also an adventure playground and a maze for children to enjoy. Visit the castle and its grounds from Easter until late September. A family ticket costs £25.

4. Hagley Hall

This sprawling 18th century house is definitely an idyllic place to spend a day in Worcestershire. Hagley Hall, now a popular wedding venue because of its sheer beauty, was created by George, 1st Lord Lyttelton who began to style the house and gardens to a lavish scale. Alongside memorable weddings, Hagley Hall also hosts many other events and tourists throughout the year. Guided tours can be enjoyed across the site’s 350 acres as well as top-class meals in its fine dining restaurant. Although Hagley Hall’s grounds can act as a giant playground, we feel that this house is tailored more towards adult clientele. Admission for a family of four costs £25.

5. Hanbury Hall

Built in 1701 by Thomas Vernon, this beautiful country house (pictured above) in Droitwich is both lavish and accommodating to visitors of all ages. Inside the hall itself, guests can marvel at stunning wall paintings, gothic corridors and a recently re-decorated smoking room. Hanbury then stretches outside across 20 acres of gardens with orchards, a grove, fruit gardens and a bowling green. The National Trust maintains a lively atmosphere at Hanbury with a variety of activities which include teddy bears’ picnics, outdoor theatre performances and family activity days. Admission is cheaper during winter, but you can expect to pay £22.60 for a family ticket during the peak season.

6. Malvern Hills

This massive green space in the West Midlands covers more than 3000 acres of open space. The scenic location is full of walking trails, local wildlife and horse riding routes. Dogs are allowed on the hills off a lead and cyclists can choose from a number of bridleways across the Malvern Hills spanning across Herefordshire and Worcestershire. For the best views, head towards the highest points at Worcestershire Beacon, North Hill and British Camp Hill.

7. Witley Court and Gardens

This Grade I listed building was once one of the greatest houses in the Midlands. However, after a devastating fire in 1937, the giant structure is now a spectacular ruin. Although the site has had a turbulent past, the remains and its surrounding gardens are still visited by tourists of all ages every year. While adults can take a leisurely stroll around the Great Whitley Church, Greek fountains and elegant gardens, kids can while away the hours at the Wilderness Play Area with tree houses and adventure trails. Adult tickets cost £6.90 and children ages 5 to 15 are £4.10.

We hope this guide to Worcestershire has given you a few ideas of where to go in the Midlands. Due to the county’s vast size, you are bound to unearth a few treasures of your own to share with your friends and family.